Accident Summary
On April 25, 2011, at approximately 1200 central daylight time, a Piper PA-28-180, registration N6492J, impacted trees shortly after takeoff from a private airfield near Streetman, Texas. The private pilot and two passengers received minor injuries. The airplane was substantially damaged during the collision, and a post-crash fire consumed part of the fuselage. The flight was operating under 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 as a personal flight, with visual meteorological conditions prevailing. The flight was originating at the time of the accident and was destined for Panola County Airport-Sharpe Field (4F2) in Carthage, Texas.
Pilot Report
The pilot reported that the airplane rotated about 1,000 feet down the runway and climbed quickly to approximately 400 to 500 feet in altitude. He then let out one notch of flaps and turned the airplane to a heading of 130 degrees. About 1,000 feet from the airport, the airplane lost power; the pilot checked the mixture and ensured the fuel pump was on. By that time, the airplane was at treetop level and subsequently collided with trees. A post-crash fire ensued, but the pilot and passengers were able to exit the airplane with minor injuries. The pilot believed a gust from wind shear took power or lift from the airplane, or that the engine lost compression or power. He stated that the engine was running, but it felt as if the throttle had been pulled off.
Investigation Details
The responding Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspector documented the accident site. A visual inspection of the engine revealed heavy fire damage, precluding a detailed inspection of the fuel and ignition systems. The two-bladed, fixed-pitch propeller remained attached to the engine. One blade was bent toward the non-cambered side starting about mid-span; the other blade exhibited S-type bending with a 90-degree bend near the tip toward the non-cambered side. The airplane impacted several trees during the accident, and a small tree about 4 inches in diameter appeared sheared in two by the propeller. The propeller signatures and cuts at the accident site were consistent with the engine being powered at the time of the accident.